JOB POSTING - Development Manager
Position: Development Manager
Location: Research & Development Center – Terre Haute, IN
Department: Research & Development
Reports to: Senior Director of Technical
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Full-time Employee
Ampacet Corporation is a global independent manufacturer and supplier of color, additive concentrates and services for the thermoplastics industry, that is recognized the world over for innovation, quality and consistency.
Primary Function:
Develop, implement and manage R&D programs that provide a key competitive advantage to our position in the marketplace. Provide technical support to the Analytical Group, Manufacturing Plants and Technical Service Group. Specify and maintain equipment in the R&D Center. Has technical responsibility for assigned major accounts.
Responsibilities:
Product Development - R&D
- Manage product development, product improvement and process improvement efforts as assigned by the Senior Director of Technical.
- Uses Stage Gate to manage product ideation through launch.
- Provide technical support for product launches with targeted customer presentations and sales training.
- Participate in the Innovation Committee, which develops specific programs in cooperation with Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing personnel.
- Approve, implement and direct any outside R&D or Analytical programs that might be required to supplement Ampacet’s in-house programs. This will include joint projects with vendors, as well as with Technical Service & Development and outside laboratories.
- Represent Ampacet North America on the Global Innovative Committee.
- Audit, edit and write new ISO procedure test methods as needed.
- Issue periodic reports as required by the R&D Innovation Committee and by management as to the status of these programs.
- Stay current with new raw materials including pigments, resins, additives, etc. that could be instrumental in improving Ampacet’s existing products, or development of new products.
- Manage the development of a current, state-of-the-art body of knowledge relating to product and process development including test methods, procedure and equipment.
- Manage the activities of the Research and Development Group by providing Technical Support to the domestic and international plant labs, Technical Service and Licensees
- Maintain an ongoing training program for Engineers and Technicians.
Plant Support
- Assist the plant labs in resolving process problems, troubleshooting and customer complaints.
- Evaluate new test equipment and test methods to assure that product quality consistently satisfies customer requirements.
- Active participant in the Product Problems Processing Committee.
- Review and approve all new or modified formulations prior to issuing to Manufacturing.
- Initiate and approve new raw material evaluations. This includes the approval of new and alternate materials prior to use in the plant.
- Participate actively in the Quality Steering Committee meetings.
Technical Service
Provide technical support to the Manager of Technical Service and Director of Technical Service & Development as required. This includes mini-development projects, competitive analysis, new product development or improvement and coordination of outside testing services.
Requirements:
- A Ph.D in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymers Science, Materials Science, or related disciplines is required.
- 8-10 years of product development and project management experience with a proven track record in innovations and developing new technologies. Experience defining, developing, and implementing business valued technology plans and carrying results forward into commercialization. Knowledge of Six Sigma Stage Gate process is a plus.
- 5-7 years plastics industry experience. Masterbatch experience is a plus.
- Minimum of 5 years experience with increasing responsibility in managing industrial development activities; such as launching products in collaboration with commercial strategies.
- Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more of the technical areas of: rheology, tribology, polymer chemistry, material science/characterization, material performance, emulsions, dispersions, suspensions, pigments, and/or additives. Good understanding of routine chemistry analytical techniques (FTIR, GPLC, etc.) and physical properties.
- Leadership competencies, including team building and employee development.
- Able to compromise and negotiate effectively with sales; external customers; tech service engineers; manufacturing; vendors; and coworkers.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver growth targets, strong business acumen, and works effectively with global teams.
- Knowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental principals, procedures and regulations, including lab safety protocols.
- Able to build and maintain relationships with peers, clients, and business partners and communicate effectively in technical and non-technical business environments.
- Willingness to travel up to 20%
This position is located at Ampacet’s Research & Development Center in Terre Haute, IN. Domestic relocation assistance will be available for this position.
Qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Principles only, no search firms please.
We offer excellent compensation and a full benefits package including medical, dental, 401k & tuition reimbursement.
To submit online please click here to fill out form as indicated, attaching resume in word format.Please include "Devellopment Manager" in Subject line.
To apply by regular mail, please forward recent resume with cover letter and salary requirement to:
Ampacet Corporation
660 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Attn: Human Resources - R&D
Fax number: 914-333-1616
E-mail: human_resources@Ampacet.com.
Ampacet is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an applicant on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
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